UPSC CSE Prelims 2000, Paper I

Alexander's Campaign & North India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander's invasion?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Alexander's campaign in India (327–325 BCE) coincided with the peak of the Nanda Empire's power in the Gangetic plains.

Explanation Greek historians (Arrian, Plutarch) noted that Alexander's soldiers refused to cross the Beas river out of fear of the massive army of the 'Gandaridae' and 'Prasii' (identified as the Nandas).

Logical Breakup

Logic 1: The Nanda ruler at the time was Dhana Nanda. His unpopularity paved the way for Chandragupta Maurya soon after.

Logic 2: The Mauryas, Sungas, and Kanvas all ruled after the invasion concluded.

Active Recall

Question

Why didn't Alexander confront the Nanda army directly?

Answer

His troops were exhausted and mutinied at the Beas River, fearing the reported strength of the Nanda's 200,000 infantry and 6,000 war elephants.

Core Insight

The threat of the Nanda army effectively halted the eastern expansion of the Macedonian empire, marking the limit of Alexander's conquest.

Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander's invasion?

Solution & Analysis

Active Recall

Core Insight

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